Free The Waltons 3 - The Easter Story by Robert Weverka Page B

truck was when he fetched the doctor, and he had driven most of the way on a flat.
    “Well, they’re not exactly new,” John said, “but for two dollars apiece they’re not bad.”
    “You sell some wood, Daddy?” Jason asked.
    The truck was still heaped with firewood.
    “No. But I put that new part in the Claybournes’ refrigerator this afternoon.” He reached in and got a package from the cab.
    John-Boy had no reason to question his father’s answer. He had fixed the Claybournes’ refrigerator, and they had paid him enough to buy new tires. It was more than a week later, when he was forced to think back to this moment, that he realized his father had not said exactly that. And everyone’s attention was quickly distracted by the package.
    “What is it, Daddy?” Ben asked.
    “Oh, I just got your Mama a little present to lift her spirits a little. It’s what they call a bedjacket. What you all cuttin’ up out here?”
    “We got two more of them timbers ready for Halverson, John.”
    “That’s fine, Pa.”
    The bedjacket brought tears to Olivia’s eyes. “It’s just beautiful! It’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen! Where in the world did you ever get it?”
    “I had it specially made in Paris, France,” John grinned. “I told ’em what you looked like and asked ’em to make somethin’ just as pretty. That’s why the color just matches your eyes.”
    The jacket was blue, made from a shiny quilted material, and had white, lacy trim. More tears streamed down her cheeks as she held it out and admired it. She finally put it on, and got a big kiss from John.
    “Now,” she said, “because you got me such a nice present, I’m goin’ to show you all how easy it is for me to sit up by myself.”
    “Now, take it easy, Livvy,” John cautioned.
    Erin had propped her up with pillows. Olivia tossed them aside and let herself drop flat to the bed. She smiled at them and began the struggle. She got an elbow beneath her. Then she swung herself halfway up, grimacing with the effort.
    John-Boy held his breath, remembering Grandpa’s words about encouraging her too much. The struggle was clearly painful.
    She finally managed to get the arm straightened behind her. Then, after a deep breath and a single heave, she was up. “There!” she said triumphantly.
    Everyone smiled with relief.
    “Well, I declare!” Grandma exclaimed.
    “That’s marvelous, Mama,” Mary Ellen said.
    But it was apparent how much the effort had cost. Olivia’s supporting arm began to quiver. John and Erin jumped forward and got the pillows behind her for support.
    “Well,” Olivia smiled, catching her breath, “at least I did it.”
    “That’s real good, daughter,” Grandpa said, “but you don’t want to be overdoin’ it.”
    “I’m not overdoin’ it, Grandpa. And I’ve got to strengthen my muscles.”
    “Well nobody’s expectin’ you to be walkin’ by Easter.”
    Grandpa made the statement lightly, with no thought of how far off Easter was. Olivia suddenly brightened. “That’s exactly what I’m aimin’ for, Grandpa. Easter.”
    “Well, now, Livvy—” John said.
    “No, I’ve already decided. I want to walk to Easter sunrise services.”
    “That’s only three weeks off,” Grandma said.
    “Three weeks and two days,” Olivia smiled.
    The announcement was a surprise to everyone. Until this minute they all assumed her ultimate objective was to learn to sit up without too much struggling. Dr. Vance had pointed out that this would be hard enough—and even dangerous. But walking, at least in his opinion, was out of the question.
    “Do you have any feelin’ in your legs at all?” John asked.
    “Not yet. But it’ll come.” She dismissed the subject with a smile. “Well, I’ve given my performance for the day. Now it’s your turn. John-Boy, Erin told me you went to the college today. Did you get a catalogue?”
    The question took John-Boy by surprise. “Well, yes. It’s in my